1 posts categorized "John Gilmore"

February 29, 2008

John Gilmore loves Chicago. He wants to remain a Bear. But Tampa Bay’s offer might be too good to refuse.

The free-agent tight end left town Friday afternoon to take a physical with the Buccaneers, with a three-year contract offer on the table. He's not due in Florida until late tonight, meaning the deal might not be signed immediately. And there's a chance Gilmore could have a change of heart, if something develops late.

He has considered offers from the Bears, Dolphins and Chiefs, too, but a conversation with Tampa Bay coach Jon Gruden has Gilmore leaning toward the Bucs.

"Tampa Bay already was one of my favorites," Gilmore said.

Word out of Tampa is another Bears free agent, Lance Briggs, is expected to visit the Buccaneers. Briggs is the most coveted linebacker on the market. Wide receiver Bernard Berrian is said to be in Minnesota talking with the Vikings.

Gilmore received a call from his agent, Chafie Fields, at 12:30 a.m. Friday telling him the Buccaneers were interested. About 15 minutes later, Gruden called and attempt to sell Gilmore on becoming a second tight end alongside Alex Smith.

"They see me playing a lot in their two-tight-end sets," Gilmore said. "Everybody knows Gruden plays that way. And I can see myself being involved, especially in the run game."'

Gilmore has been a Bear for six seasons, but they retain a solid a two-man rotation at tight end with Desmond Clark and Greg Olsen. Fontel Mines was elevated from the practice squad near the end of last season and could get more opportunities in 2008.

Meanwhile, a team source confirmed that the Bears will bring in free-agent linebacker Domorrio Williams from the Atlanta Falcons next week.

Fox Sports first reported that Williams was expected to visit the Bears, as well as Kansas City and Tampa Bay. Williams was scheduled to meet with the Chiefs today.

The Bears might need insurance at weak-side linebacker with Briggs an unrestricted free-agent

Williams was a fourth-round draft choice out of Nebraska in 2004. Defensive coordinator Bob Babich had his eye on Williams out of college.